Mumbai is likely to see the rollout of its much-awaited Water Metro project from December this year.
Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday, February 16, said the project will begin in phases, starting with key routes inside the city before expanding to the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The Mumbai water metro project envisages introducing battery-powered ferries, aiming at easing traffic congestion in the metropolis and its adjoining areas.
Rane said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on water metro in the MMR is expected to be submitted by his department by February 28.
The state government has chalked out six to eight routes in the MMR to be connected through a network of electric-powered boats under the water taxi project which is estimated to cost INR 1,200 crore.
Rane added that a formal announcement regarding the project, modelled on the Kochi Water Metro in Kerala, will be made by Fadnavis in the state budget scheduled for March 6.
Routes of Mumbai Water Metro:
The state government has identified six to eight routes across the MMR for the water transport network, with two routes likely to be launched in the first phase. Within Mumbai city, the focus will be on high-traffic coastal stretches such as Nariman Point–Worli–Bandra–Juhu–Versova.
He said that discussions would be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the feasibility of routes after DPR is submitted. Two of the finalised routes will be taken up first for implementation.
Once the Radio Club jetty near the Gateway of India in south Mumbai is ready, the water metro will take just 40 minutes to ferry people to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Service plan
The Water Metro will operate using modern electric ferries designed for urban commuting. These boats are expected to carry around 50 to 100 passengers per trip.
The service is being planned as a time-saving and eco-friendly option. Officials believe it will significantly reduce pressure on Mumbai’s crowded roads and suburban rail network.
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